March 25-26

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

In these latter days of Lent, we come into that time known as Passiontide. Whereas we have previously concentrated on repentance and the restoration of our Baptismal innocence now we turn our attention to the rejection and suffering of Our Lord Jesus. The Passion of our Lord cannot be ignored since it is the pivotal event in human history. By His Cross and Resurrection we have been saved. All things in life pale before this merciful act of God. Already we should  be arranging our schedules in order to participate in  the acts of Faith so necessary for our eternal salvation.

All things for us Catholics revolve around the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass wherein Heaven and earth meet.  Subsequently, the Real Presence of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist draws us to an ever more profound and deep relation with Christ. To remind us of this awesome reality the Bishops of our country have initiated the Eucharistic revival throughout the land.

One of the events to help us be revived in Eucharistic belief and devotion is the gathering within deaneries (regions of the diocese) of Holy Hours with our Bishop. This coming Monday, March 27, Bishop Bambera will lead us in the Eucharistic Holy Hour beginning at 7:00PM in Queen of Peace Church, Hawley. Let us join with fellow Catholics throughout our deanery to give witness to our Faith and grateful love to God for the most precious gift given to us, Jesus our Eucharistic Lord. 

See you there. 

With Blessings,

Father Langan 

There will be a Mass celebrated on Saturday, March 25, 8 A.M. at St. Mary Magdalen Church for the Solemnity of the Annunciation.

Confessions are cancelled tomorrow (3/18). Faith Formation students will be receiving the Sacrament of First Reconciliation.

March 18-19

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     We have arrived at the midpoint of Lent, Laetare Sunday.  Some also refer to this as Rose Sunday because of the brighter color of vestments.  We are joyfully leaving behind the dark days of winter and welcoming the greater daylight of spring (even if the snow doesn’t know when to stop).  Both the seasonal and liturgical phenomena intersect as we make our way to Jerusalem.  There our Blessed Lord will bring to fruition the purpose of His coming among us, i.e., to set us free from sin and death.

     The Gospel today very much illustrates the progression from darkness into light with the healing of the blind man.  The mysterious command of the Lord to go wash in the pool of Siloam reminds us that we too were once in darkness.  In the waters of baptism, we came into the Light and that light is Christ Himself.  As He says:” I am the Light of the world.” 

       Throughout our lives we need to allow the Light of Christ to permeate our human condition.  All too often people prefer the darkness.  Why?  Maybe they are too afraid to see themselves in the Light of their Savior; or, maybe they have a comfortability with their sins and refuse to change for the better.  For them life has pretty much hit a dead end.  Terribly sad.  Nonetheless, it does not hamper our efforts to radiate the Light of Christ that is in us.  If through sin and self-centeredness, we have dimmed that holy Light there is always the Sacrament of Confession that will give a good polish to our souls and let the Light shine once again.  Laetare! Rejoice!  we are half way there.

With Blessings,

Father Langan

Scripture Study scheduled for this evening at St. John’s has been cancelled.

March 11-12

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are well aware that Lent provides us with an important time to evaluate our life in the light of Christ and His teachings, but it also makes us focus on what  He has done for us personally. First, we are fashioned in His and the Father’s image and likeness thus giving  us life. Secondly, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we  become a new creation through the waters of Baptism in the womb of Mother Church. Did you realize  that the Baptismal Font symbolizes both a tomb and  a womb. It is where we “die” to this world and rise  with Christ to the promise of eternal life. Whenever you are in Church contemplate the Baptismal Font.  There God has fulfilled His promise to you, that He  would send a Savior to free you from sin and prepare  a place for you in His eternal kingdom. 

When we prepare our children for the Sacrament of their First Confession the Font plays a primary role in their understanding of their journey in the Faith.  Baptism, of course, happens only once, but because God in His mercy continues to offer us salvation and freedom from sin, we are able through the Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation to once again enjoy the innocence attained at our Baptism. Oh how great and merciful is the Lord! 

In both the account of Exodus and the Gospel of today there is thirst for water. Surely, there is the need for the element that sustains life. That is, the natural and physical yearning. However, there is another thirst and that is for the mercy of God. We cannot live without either one. That which sustains us for the earthly journey also symbolizes the thirsting for unity with Him Who made us. Christ brings us the waters of life. 

As we examine our consciences during this holy season ask yourself, what are you thirsting for? Does the burden of sin keep you dry and lifeless? Where are the refreshing waters to be found? Where is the joy of life to be restored? It is in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

With Blessings, 

Father  Langan

Children of Mary will be postponed to March 11th due to weather.